TEACHING TIP

Do you find that your clients are lacking sufficient lumbar flexion to perform a fluid and controlled Assisted Teaser, Roll Up or Rolling Like a Ball exercise? Try REMINDING THE RIBS as a way to help the lumbars relax out of hyperextension.

ASSESS:
Perform an Assisted Teaser on the Tower bar to establish a base line measurement of accessible ROM
Take a deflated Togu Ball and place under T7
Have client perform 4-6 thoracic curls in sagittal plane. Note available ROM again.

MOVEMENT INTERVENTION:
On Togu ball placed at T7, ask client to roll half way up to a thoracic curl.
From this position, ask them to laterally translate the ribs and you cue pelvic stabilization. Cue ribs to SLIDE across the ball for 8-10 repetitions.
Then ask client to laterally flex spine while on the Togu Ball. Cue pelvis stabilization and “windshield wiping” movement from head to lower T-spine for 8-10 repetitions.
Finish with 4-6 more thoracic curls in sagittal plane.

Thoracic curl up

Lateral translation of ribs

Lateral flexion of ribs

REASSESS:
Perform the Assisted Teaser again. Do you notice an increase in ROM of the T-Spine and L-spine? Do you see any changes in effort or flow of movement? Do you notice changes in your client’s energy and expression?

Model: Mariela Dorado, BFA Senior and Polestar Pilates Teacher Trainer

How did this MoveCoLab Tuesday Tip work for you?
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